2. The Los Angeles Lakers have to loop in a third team that will take on Russell Westbrook
There is zero chance that the Bulls would straight-up trade Zach LaVine for Russell Westbrook, which is the only way the Lakers could acquire LaVine in a two-team trade that does not involve Anthony Davis or LeBron James. The Bulls would actually be better off letting the asset walk for free than bringing in Westbrook’s massive contract for one year.
Thus, the Lakers have to loop in a third team in this potential trade and that team has to be willing to take on Westbrook in a potential salary dump and give the Bulls something they can actually be excited about.
The one team that makes the most sense is the New York Knicks. The Lakers will be more willing to trade future first-round picks if they are getting LaVine in return and should send those picks to New York for taking on Westbrook.
New York can then pivot off of the Julius Randle and Evan Fournier contracts, creating cap space next summer to properly build around R.J. Barrett. They get one year of Westbrook and quite frankly, their ceiling as a team does not change in going from Randle to Westbrook.
Salary cap space and one (or two) future first should be more than enough for the Knicks. The smart thing to do for New York would be to make this trade. Knicks fans may argue that the team should just trade for LaVine but that is where the leverage part of this equation comes in. LaVine holds the cards and he doesn’t have to agree to anything that sends him to New York.
Meanwhile, the Bulls get a former all-star in Julius Randle who could actually fit nicely with what the Bulls have as well as a spot-up shooter to bring off the bench. It is not the best return but it is certainly better than nothing.